Bataan: A Local Historical Destination
I only knew of Bataan through my lolo’s perennial anecdotes about his experience during the Japanese occupation. He was seven when he and his dad had travel by foot and by boat to seek refuge in Bataan. Sweet potatoes are the only thing they could eat, he’d reiterate. However detailed my lolo’s stories were, Bataan remained to be just a mere setting. No photos nor vivid descriptions of the landscapes that could help me picture how Bataan was actually like.
But last May, Wincy surprised me with a well-planned weekend trip to Bataan. Finally! He already booked the hotel and even prepared an itinerary! My only task was to research where to eat. What I like best about Wincy’s itinerary was that it had a point of view, and some form of narrative that structured the whole trip.
Mt. Samat Shrine aka Dambana Ng Kagitingan
Initially, I thought the shrine would just be a simple giant cross on top of a mountain. When we got there, The Colonnade welcomed us – an Art Deco structure with marble walls and columns, stained glass panes, bronze installations and reliefs by Napoleon Abueva, all immortalising the tragedies and victories of the second World War.
At the corner of the Colonnade, there’s a small museum filled with artifacts. Looking at the weapons, worn out army uniforms and boots, news clippings and propaganda pamphlets felt reminiscent of this:
A quick uphill drive was the Memorial Cross, literally at the summit of Mt. Samat. From up close, the cross seemed more like a tower, clad with reliefs visualising our country’s history, our constant fight for freedom and independence.
Funny Break: When it started drizzling, Wincy and I took it as a cue to leave the shrine and check in our hotel. As I was getting down the Colonnade, I slipped. The soles of my Adidas Gazelles was relatively smooth, without grips. I had no way of controlling my fall – I slid down from the middle until the very last step. I didn’t scream because I didn’t want more people to see me. But a group of titas in a van screamed as they saw the whole ordeal while a distracted Wincy Ong (who was waiting in the car beside the titas) didn’t even see my very own epic “Fall of Bataan”.
On the way to Balanga, installations trailed the road, as if marking specific spots. Intrigued, we slowed down for a bit and discovered these installations were markers of the tragic Bataan Death March. Passing through markers to markers, I felt my sadness transform into a sense of gratitude and honor, realising that many Filipinos fought and died for our independence.
Balanga: Nostalgic Cosmopolitan
We stayed overnight in The Plaza Hotel, which was right at the heart of Balanga. Our room had a view of the town - you’d see the plaza where people gather for concerts and parties, the Balanga Cathedral, the mall, the city hall, and connected to it was the city library. Balanga was like a little Barcelona - a modern cultural center veiled by nostalgic architecture.
Like I mentioned, my only task was to find the right places to eat. Great food was not hard to find in Bataan, especially if you have a friend who actually lives there. Thanks to my good friend Michael, we got to try all these:
- Inside our hotel was a japanese restaurant popular to the locals, Cafe Kyoto.
- Stregato Gelateria is a few minute walk from the hotel. They also serve Italian savory dishes.
- Roberto’s serve good steaks, barbecue and burgers. They also have good coffee and desserts. It’s just across the plaza.
- The Beanery is a well-loved cafe in Bataan. They serve a wide range of coffee drinks (from your usuals to dessert-like frappes), as well as snacks and hearty meals. It’s actually so refreshing to see a local brand thrive over chain cafes.
Exploring Balanga was a perfect slow down to our rather historical and educational day trip.
Wincy enjoying the veranda of Roberto's.
My History with Wacom
2008, I was about to graduate from college when I bought my first Wacom Pen Tablet, as a Christmas gift for myself. It was the Bamboo Fun model. I remember to have wondered what was the mouse for. But still, the pen tablet was magnificent.
Not until that one time that I dropped my pen and the nib broke. I tried replacing the nib, thanks to the nib donations from my friends. But it didn't work. I didn't want to buy an entirely new Wacom Pen Tablet set since the tablet wasn't broken. And that's when I found Ynzal Marketing, a tech and gadget store that had almost all Wacom products and, thank goodness, spare parts. At that time, they had a Bamboo Fun pen sold separately. And conveniently, Ynzal delivers it to you the next day!
2010, I dropped my pen again and it instantly broke, I figured it was about time to finally get myself a new Wacom set. After all, without the Wacom tablet, I wouldn't be able to do my work and my other projects. So again, I ordered a Wacom set from Ynzal and had it delivered. This time, it was the very sleek and sexy Wacom Bamboo Pen Touch.
I can say that I've done a lot projects with the Bamboo Touch. I love it so much I even put a dymo of my name all over it. Our relationship was almost flawless until its USB cord, which wasn't detachable and designed similar to that of Apple chargers, got crazy on me. There were times that with the slightest touch or movement, the connection will be cut. There were times it won't connect at all. This time, there wasn't any spare part replacement. :-(
So I did what I always did - order from Ynzal. I didn't bother going to the mall and checking stores one by one. Ynzal has all the Wacom thingies I need, at the lowest price. Got myself a Wacom Intuos. It's the cheapest I could get! But how I wish Wacom retained their entry-level Bamboo line. I never really got convinced by the "high tech" extra advanced features of the more expensive Wacom models. Like what I always believed in -- "It's always the Indian, never the pana (bow)."
I ordered last Friday and I got it Saturday morning! Ynzal's super reliable! :-) The new Wacom Intuos reminds me of my first Wacom in terms of design. The USB connectivity is detachable, using a generic USB mini. Which means if ever the USB cord wonks out, I could replace it with a generic one! But I hope the pen is not as easily broken as the Bamboo model.
I was so excited about my new Wacom that I spent most of my Saturday trying it out, getting myself used to the new model. I decided to practice my comic art skills and tried out sketching, inking and coloring, all digitally! Also, lately, I have been obsessed about Cameron Stewart's art style. His digital inking skills are amazing! And I kinda like the new look he gave to the Bat-Girl reboot!
So let me share with you my practice artwork. It's based on one of Ellen Page's still from her movie Whip It, but I tweaked her hair a bit to resemble Emma Stone's new short bob (because I love it). And I changed the wardrobe a bit to look more like the Hurl Scouts' uniform (Ellen Page's roller derby team in Whip It).
I actually tried 3 different applications so I could find the best way to digitally ink my sketch: Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Manga Studio 5. For inking, based on my research, Cameron Stewart uses Manga Studio 5. So I downloaded a trial version and explored. I must say, the brushes available in the app were great. The feel was almost seamless, just like I was inking using a real pen. However, I think I am more comfortable with how Adobe Illustrator's brushes are snappy and a little corrective. Here's a GIF of the evolution from sketch, ink and color.
And here's the final artwork!
I'm starting to like doing comic art. Hopefully, I develop my own art style and maybe who knows, Wincy and I could come up with a comic series or a graphic novel. :-)
NOTE: This is not a sponsored post for Ynzal Marketing nor Wacom. I've bought all my Wacom tablets from Ynzal (except the Bamboo Fun). I just wanted to write about how efficient and reliable they have been with me through the years. :-)
Doodle 4 Google TOP 40 Public Voting Starts Now!
Young learners across the archipelago doodled their ideas on how to contribute to nation-building. These doodles will make you smile, make you wonder and make you feel inspired.
Visit google.com.ph/
Voting Guidelines: Anyone can vote, even someone outside the Philippines. You do not need an email account to vote. The site is also optimized for mobile, so you may vote using your smartphones. Please ask your colleagues, friends and family to vote!
Doodle For Google Philippines
I grew up in an environment that encouraged create stuff (art) using my hands. I'm a traditional painter. But as I grew older, I also grew more curious about digital. And Google is one of the inventions that inspired me to get to know digital more. Do I sound like a fan? Hell yes, I'm a Google fan.
That's why I'll never forget the day when Google Philippines contacted me and asked me if I wanted to be a judge for the very first Doodle For Google in the Philippines. Art + Students and Learners (out of school youth) + Google -- Honestly, should I even think about it? Again, hell yes. It is an honor to be part of this.
Today, Google Philippines launched the first Doodle 4 Google Competition in Mind Museum. I felt bad I wasn't able to attend because I was in Singapore for a digital convention! (But of course I also feel lucky I got sent to the convention.)
The competition's theme is "What can I do for the Philippines?" Filipino students and learners aged 5-17 years old can join. Submission of entries is open from July 10- September 19. One talented student or learner will see his or her artwork on the Google Philippines homepage, receive an educational grant from BPI Foundation, an art kit from National Book Store and an Acer C720 Chromebook. The overall winner's school or community learning center will receive a connectivity grant from PLDT-Smart Foundation.
For more details, visit
Heisenberg Shirts
I love Breaking Bad so much I got so inspired to sketch my idol, Walter White.Although I prefer him when he's Heisenberg. And I thought of producing some shirts so I can share my love for Breaking Bad with you.
Regular price is PhP550.
Pre-order cut off is every Thursday, 11:30 PM. 4 colours are currently available, but you may request for another colour! Here's the size chart!
To order:
1. Email me at contact@cjdesilva.com with the subject: Breaking Bad Shirt.
Include the following:
FULL NAME
CONTACT NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS
COLOR
SIZE
MODE OF DELIVERY: Shipping (but there will be an additional shipping fee) or Meet-up in Greenbelt area on weekends
SHIPPING ADDRESS (if you opted for the shirts to be shipped to you.)
2. Mode of payment, as of now are strictly BANK DEPOSIT to my Metrobank Account.
3. Email me a photo of the DEPOSIT SLIP.
4. I shall ship the shirts or schedule a meet up with you!
Thank you guys!
P.S. If this gets really good, I will make a Pinkman shirt as well. And who knows, maybe Saul.